FPV Drone Pilot Intern (Quadcopters & Fixed-Wing)

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:
OKSI is seeking a highly motivated FPV (First-Person View) Drone Pilot Intern to join our dynamic engineering and field operations team. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience piloting and maintaining a fleet of advanced quadcopters and fixed-wing UAVs, all in support of cutting-edge data collection, flight testing, and engineering research initiatives. As an intern, you will collaborate closely with experienced drone pilots, aerospace engineers, and data analysts, developing practical skills in UAS operations, system troubleshooting, sensor integration, and rigorous flight safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Flight Operations:

   • Conduct FPV flights of quadcopters and fixed-wing UAVs for a variety of mission profiles including data acquisition, testing, and demonstration.
   • Follow established flight plans, checklists, and regulatory guidelines to ensure safe and efficient mission execution.
   • Monitor real-time drone performance and environmental conditions, making in-flight adjustments as needed.

2. Data Collection & Analysis:

   • Operate integrated payloads (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral sensors) and record quality data for engineering and R&D projects.
   • Collaborate with data analysts and engineers to transfer, organize, and validate flight data sets for further processing.
   • Assist in refining sensor placement, calibration methods, and data collection strategies to enhance data quality.

3. Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

   • Conduct routine pre- and post-flight inspections, including battery health checks, structural integrity assessments, and firmware updates.
   • Assist with basic drone repairs, component replacements, and general system optimizations under expert guidance.
   • Maintain orderly inventories of drone components, tools, and accessories, ensuring readiness for field operations.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Safety:

   • Strictly adhere to all FAA regulations, local UAS guidelines, and OKSI’s internal safety protocols.
   • Participate in safety briefings, risk assessments, and flight operation reviews to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
   • Diligently maintain flight logs, maintenance records, and incident reports as required.

5. Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:

   • Work cross-functionally with aerospace engineers, data scientists, and project managers to achieve shared objectives.
   • Attend technical trainings, workshops, and team meetings to stay current on emerging technologies and best practices.
   • Offer insights and feedback to improve mission planning, flight procedures, data workflows, and system performance.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Drone Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in FPV quadcopter piloting; exposure to fixed-wing UAVs is a plus.
• Technical Aptitude: Basic understanding of drone components (motors, ESCs, flight controllers, radio systems) and familiarity with flight planning tools or ground control software.
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to following all safety protocols, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, clarity in communication, and a willingness to learn from mentors and collaborate with peers.
• Passion for Innovation: Eagerness to engage with emerging drone technologies and to improve personal skillsets continuously.

Preferred Experience (Not Required):

• Practical experience in drone assembly, soldering, or component customization.
• Basic familiarity with data processing (e.g., image analysis, Python scripting, MATLAB).
• Knowledge of Part 107 or other relevant UAS certifications.

What We Offer:

• Real-world, hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art drone testing and engineering environment at OKSI’s Torrance facility.
• Mentorship from seasoned drone pilots, aerospace engineers, and data professionals.
• The chance to contribute meaningfully to live R&D projects that can bolster your professional portfolio.
• Networking opportunities and potential career pathways within the growing UAV and aerial imaging sectors.

If you’re an aspiring drone pilot looking to translate your passion for FPV flight into a professional engineering environment, we invite you to apply and join the innovative team at OKSI.

Company Description

OKSI is a team of pioneers with over 30 years of developing and fielding custom EO/IR sensors within integrated AI/ML. We’ve taken AI and revolutionized its application into life as we know it – from augmenting human decision-making to true system autonomy – on the battlefield, into deep space, and within the depths of the ocean. Our autonomous and intelligent solutions rapidly analyze, identify, and communicate actionable insights, enabling critical decision-making, action prioritization, and outcome optimization. OKSI stands alongside the warfighter, delivering novel technologies to fill capability gaps and provide them with overmatch where and when they need it most. Join us in our mission to disrupt the industry as we define and execute new technologies for the battlefield to create a safe and secure future.

OKSI is a privately held small business headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Learn more at www.oksi.ai

Company Description

OKSI is a team of pioneers with over 30 years of developing and fielding custom EO/IR sensors within integrated AI/ML. We’ve taken AI and revolutionized its application into life as we know it – from augmenting human decision-making to true system autonomy – on the battlefield, into deep space, and within the depths of the ocean. Our autonomous and intelligent solutions rapidly analyze, identify, and communicate actionable insights, enabling critical decision-making, action prioritization, and outcome optimization. OKSI stands alongside the warfighter, delivering novel technologies to fill capability gaps and provide them with overmatch where and when they need it most. Join us in our mission to disrupt the industry as we define and execute new technologies for the battlefield to create a safe and secure future.rnrnOKSI is a privately held small business headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Learn more at www.oksi.ai

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